Indonesian WWF gets local head
Indonesian WWF gets local head
JAKARTA (JP): The World Wide Fund for Nature, true to its own
objective of promoting local-based activities, has appointed an
Indonesian to head its Indonesian Program.
Agus Purnomo, who has experience in leading various non-
governmental organizations in the country, became the WWF-
Indonesia Program representative and chief executive officer,
replacing Russell H. Betts, starting last Wednesday.
Head of the WWF Indonesian Program Communication Department,
Katarina Panji, told The Jakarta Post on Thursday that the
leadership change is part of the WWF International programs.
"WWF International is always focusing on local-based
activities, where local people are expected to lead and
participate in WWF local-based organizations," Katarina said.
"The move will not prevent expatriates from taking part in the
organizations' activities," she added.
She explained that Agus's appointment had been decided back in
August, but because he was tied up with other organizations, he
only assumed his post this month.
Agus's previous NGO experience include director of the
Indonesian Forum for the Environment and the Yayasan Pelangi, and
more recently, he had been with the Rockefeller Foundation office
in Indonesia.
In his new job, Agus will be assisted by Kim De Ridder, who
was appointed WWF-Indonesian Program Managing Director in
December.
Betts, in a statement announcing the move early this week,
said the change fulfilled his personal and WWF International's
commitment and effort of the last seven years to create a strong
and viable WWF conservation program and presence in Indonesia
under Indonesian leadership.
Betts said he would remain a senior advisor to the Indonesian
program until the end of June to ensure a smooth transition.
He said his involvement since 1989 in bringing WWF-Indonesia
Program to its current status and in Indonesia conservation has
been the most challenging and rewarding experience of his
professional life.
Betts said he hoped to found a new global environmental
consulting firm in Geneva in July to assist WWF-International.
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